[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 109 (Monday, July 14, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4446-S4447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING CHIEF STEPHEN SAVAGE
Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful
man, Stephen Savage, the chief of the Plaistow Police Department, who
passed away on Friday after a 3-year battle with cancer. We are deeply
saddened by the loss of Chief Savage, a beloved member of the Plaistow
community, who dedicated his life to serving his fellow citizens.
For Steve, family came first. He was a devoted father, husband, and
brother. We hold his wife Kristin and their sons Billy and Michael in
our hearts, and we will keep them in our prayers. We share in their
grief and we will be there to support and comfort them during the
difficult weeks ahead.
From a young age Steve was called to serve, and he answered that
call. After graduating from Stevens High School in Claremont, NH, in
1965, he enlisted in the Air Force and served our country in Vietnam.
He obtained the rank of sergeant and earned several commendations for
his military service. Steve was a very patriotic person.
After returning from Vietnam, Steve went on to earn a degree in
criminal justice from Northeastern University. He joined the Newport,
NH, police department in 1969. That was the beginning of an exceptional
career in law enforcement which would span more than 40 years--
including positions with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the
Baltimore, MD, Police Department.
After coming home to his beloved State of New Hampshire in 1977,
Steve was named chief of police in Haverhill, NH. He served as police
chief in Haverhill until 1986, when he was appointed police chief in
Plaistow, NH. Steve served as police chief in Plaistow for 28 years. He
was the longest serving police chief in Plaistow's history.
In Plaistow Steve was a friend to all and was a constant presence at
the local ballfield where he coached baseball and volunteered his time
with Friends of Plaistow Recreation.
In addition to all of his responsibilities as police chief, Steve was
a highly respected leader in our State's law enforcement community. He
served as past president of the New Hampshire Chiefs of Police
Association, where I had the privilege of working with him when I was
attorney general. He served as president of the Rockingham County
Chiefs of Police Association and as a member of many law enforcement
organizations.
Steve was a great leader, and he was so well respected by all members
of law enforcement throughout New Hampshire. His talent, dedication,
and expertise helped set a gold standard of excellence for New
Hampshire law enforcement. In a fitting tribute just a few weeks ago,
the Plaistow Police Department named its tactical training center in
Steve's honor, ensuring that his legacy will not be forgotten by the
people of Plaistow or the people of New Hampshire.
He touched so many lives during his distinguished career, and one of
them was mine. I had the privilege of getting to know Steve, Kristin,
and his family when I served as attorney general for the State of New
Hampshire.
Steve was such a kind, compassionate person and devoted to serving
others. He was a man with a big heart. He had a vibrant personality
that would light up a room and a great sense of humor that never faded
despite his diagnosis. I was so proud to call Steve Savage my friend. I
feel fortunate to have known him, and I will treasure our friendship
always.
There is so much I admired about Steve Savage. He worked tirelessly
to keep his community safe. When he was diagnosed with cancer 3 years
ago, he didn't let up. He just kept going, spending every moment he
could with his family while also continuing to lead the police
department and taking part in the community activities he enjoyed. In
fact, in May he served as grand marshal for the Plaistow's Memorial Day
parade.
Steve and his family--and particularly his wife Kristin--faced his
illness with such inspiring courage. As we know, cancer hits so many
people. They found a way to turn what was a tragedy in their family
into a good cause to help others. The Savage family and the Pollard
School worked together to organize the Run of the Savages, a 5K run to
benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Center and the Jimmy Fund.
Even in sickness Steve wanted to help others fighting the disease, a
profound reflection of his generous and caring spirit. I know the Run
of the Savages will continue, and I will certainly run in it again. It
is a reflection of how much the Savage family has given back to the
community and what an inspiration Steve's life can be for others facing
the horrible disease of cancer.
Steve was determined to live life to the fullest, and he did so right
up to the very end. Our State lost a truly great public servant with
the passing of Steve Savage, New Hampshire's law enforcement community
lost a brother, and so many of us lost a great friend.
The Savage family has lost a loving dad and our hearts ache for
Kristin, Billy, and Michael. We will continue to keep them in our
prayers and stand with them during this difficult time. They are an
amazing family.
Steve went beyond the call of duty in everything he did as a father,
as a police chief, and as a friend. And because of Steve, New Hampshire
is a better place. I feel honored to have known him. His legacy will
live on through all of those lives he touched. We will forever honor
his memory, and we will continue to be there to support Kristin, Billy,
and Michael. We are just thankful that someone such as Steve Savage
came to serve our State and has been a friend to so many of us.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Order of Procedure
I ask unanimous consent that the time in the quorum call be charged
equally to both sides of the aisle.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Ms. AYOTTE. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. NELSON. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum
call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Hirono). Without objection, it is so
ordered.
[[Page S4447]]
Unanimous Consent Request
Mr. NELSON. I ask unanimous consent that I be able to display in the
course of my speech some small bottles of liquid that will demonstrate
what I am talking about today.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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